Tel Aviv: (RightNow) In the Israeli general elections, Netanyahu’s coalition fails to secure a simple majority. Despite 90% of votes counted, the coalition parties did not achieve the required seats.

Netanyahu’s coalition is expected to secure 53 seats in the 120-member assembly, while the opposition coalition may get 48 seats. Arab parties, Joint List and United Arab List, are likely to gain a total of 19 seats.

The Likud party emerges as the largest party with 26 seats, but its hardline allies suffered losses. Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich’s parties secured only 13 seats.

Due to increased Arab voter turnout, Arab parties achieved significant success. Celebrations are ongoing in Arab areas, but major coalitions are not in favor of including Arab parties in the government.

It is noteworthy that Naftali Bennett included Arab parties in the government in 2021. Various coalitions may form for government formation in the current elections. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has warned Netanyahu against using the military for political purposes.